XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Review (2024): Value and Performance in a Stepping Stone Cardio Machine

It’s a tall ask to invest loads of money into one of the best treadmills on the market when you’re just getting started in fitness. Treadmills can cost thousands of dollars, but thankfully, budget-friendly machines — like the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill — can take the strain out of this purchasing process with affordable price tags and beginner-friendly setups.

While the TR150 is by no means a feature-rich profile designed for advanced runners, there is still some meat on the bone for beginner athletes. The (albeit basic) LCD display is plenty legible for easy-to-read statistics and tracking, and the 16-inch by 50-inch running deck can give you enough room to comfortably walk or jog throughout your introductory sessions. When you set your expectations accordingly and appreciate the included conveniences of this sub-$400 tread, you can start to see how this TR150 makes for a great starter kit for novice cardio enthusiasts.

Main Takeaways

• The TR150 comes equipped with 12 preset programs, and the center console showcases each workout with easy-to-digest visuals to represent the speed intervals.
• The 16-inch by 50-inch running deck accommodates shorter stride lengths, but those interested in high-intensity runs may prefer a longer 60-inch belt. (1)
• It has no folding mechanism, meaning you’ll need to control the deck through its ascent or descent or it could slam to the floor. 

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Highlights

• Price: $393.78
• Incline Range: 3 levels (manual)
• Max Speed: 10mph
• Motor Size: 2.25 HP
• Weight Capacity: 250lbs
• Product Dimensions: 63.4″ L x 28.75″ W x 51.4″ H
• Running Deck Dimensions: 50” L x 16” W
• Display: 5” LCD
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, one-year motor, 90-day deck, 90-day labor

The XTERRA Fitness TR150 features a compact profile with a footprint of 12.66 square feet. For reference, that’s smaller than your typical loveseat, which measures in at 15.31 square feet. (2) The TR150 has a lightweight frame of 97 pounds, which can help when trying to move this cardio machine into place. Some of the best high-end treadmills can weigh 250 pounds or more, and oftentimes require a helping hand to maneuver.

Speaking of portability, the TR150 does feature a wheeled base. However, our tester found that the transport wheels were a little small to facilitate efficient rolling, especially when trying to roll the treadmill across thicker carpet. Thankfully, the lightweight profile is easy enough to muscle into position, so you should only need to worry about potential scrapes and scuffs across your floor plan.

As is the case with other compact treadmills, the TR150 features a smaller running deck than average, measuring 50 inches long by 16 inches wide. While we were happy with the width that allowed for comfortable arm swings and balance during trials, our tester did have some thoughts regarding the shorter belt length. 

“A 50-inch deck could support someone under 5’9”, but I’d be hesitant to really open up my gait with this treadmill,” they noted. “A longer running stride could easily find the end of the belt or front motor cover, so comfort and stride length would have to be compromised in order to stay on top of the machine during all-out sprints.”

[Related: The 8 Best Compact Treadmills]

Moving up toward the top of this machine, the center console features a 5-inch LCD screen capable of tracking your speed, incline, time, distance, calories, and pulse (provided you grab hold of the heart rate sensors located along the side handlebars). There are also two side storage compartments, although they are sized awkwardly, according to our tester. The accessory holders are too narrow for a slim water bottle, so having a drink mid-run is practically out of the question unless you’re really good at balancing.

There’s also a convenient tablet holder at the middle of the console, which can be helpful when trying to follow along to your favorite running app or go-to streaming service like Netflix or Prime Video. Unfortunately, the conveniences end there with this wallet-friendly profile. The unit is not equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, there are no cooling fans to keep you refreshed, and the only “port” along the head unit is for the safety key.

The center console also features clearly-labeled toggles for the speed, with quick-adjust buttons for the 0- to 10-mile-per-hour range. These buttons are only applicable to the speed range and 12 preset training programs, though, since any incline adjustments are made manually.  

According to the brand, the TR150 boasts three different manual incline settings, although we haven’t found any information on the precise angles of each setting. For reference, other incline treadmills often carry an incline range between 0 and 15 percent. We know the TR150 doesn’t reach those pitches that high, but it can be helpful for comparison, nonetheless.

When not in use, the TR150 features a folding deck that can shrink the machine’s footprint to 5.69 square feet. This can be a great asset for keeping your space open and livable outside of training, especially if you’re trying to train in the confines of a small room or apartment. That said, the deck does not feature any supportive folding system and the lock is just a simple pin. To safely raise and lower the deck, you’ll need to fully control its weight throughout the range of motion.

Because of this less-equipped folding system, we strongly recommend that athletes with children or pets take extra precaution around this XTERRA Fitness treadmill. The locking is almost at a child’s height, so accidents could potentially occur if a youngster decides to get adventurous.

[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills (Expert Tested)]

Pros

• This treadmill folds up to a 5.69-square foot footprint — a 6.97-square-foot difference from its operating dimensions.
• The TR150’s availability on Amazon grants you 90 days for returns, which can be helpful when trying to decide if you’d like to stick with this treadmill or not.
• Despite the cheaper price tag, XTERRA Fitness still offers a worthwhile warranty package, including lifetime coverage for the frame.

Cons

• A 250-pound max weight rating may be too light for heavier athletes and falls below the 300-pound average weight capacity of other treadmills.
• The running deck dimensions may be too short for running demands — we recommend a 60-inch running surface to support sprints and longer strides.
• The manual incline adjustments mean you’ll need to make your settings changes before getting into a workout.

Training With the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill

Our tester walked, jogged, and ran atop this TR150 folding treadmill for multiple weeks, trialing the machine’s ability to deliver worthwhile workout sessions. Training was a mixed bag of manually-controlled runs where they set their desired speed, as well as intervals chosen from the library of 12 preset programs. 

We used a multi-point methodology to rate the TR150 in categories such as adjustability, warranty, workout experience, ergonomics, durability, and more, scoring on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest)

Additionally, we used the TR150 at each of its three incline levels, which are toggled near the rear of the tread belt with a pin and hole lock. It’s a simple system that gives you a change in underfoot sensations, but when compared to other treadmills offering incline changes, this system does leave you wanting a little more.

[Related: The 9 Best Running Apps]

It should also be stated that your incline needs to remain the same throughout your entire workout, unless you don’t mind pausing your progress, hopping off the belt, and reaching down (after everything has come to a halt) and switching the pin placement.

Finally, getting into and out of workout mode is simple thanks to the foldable XTRASOFT cushioned deck. The entire belt is simple enough to move, but be mindful that there are no gas shocks or hydraulic lift assists underneath the running deck. This means that all of the weight needs to be controlled by you before lockout. In our opinion, this was one area where we’d like to see the TR150 improve with future releases — we’re okay with forgoing some digital tech, but safety should always be top of mind.

Preset Workout Programs

According to our tester, the abundance of 12 preset workout programs is a definite plus for the TR150, as other budget treadmills typically feature less than 10 modules, or none at all. Additionally, the picture key for each program is a nice touch across the center console that can be ideal for beginners wanting a visual representation of how their workouts will run. These graphs showcase how the speeds will change in a session at varying increments, essentially giving you a preview of how intense or laid back a given circuit will be.

“To the right and left of the LCD display, you’ll see 12 printed examples of different preset programs,” said our tester. “While not the fanciest depiction of a workout library, I do think it’s a great way to utilize this space, and the graphs showcasing the speed intervals can be helpful for beginners.”

The preset programs don’t have any fancy names like “Hill Climb” or “Burnout,” but instead are listed P1 through P12. “I think the visuals help, but I’d appreciate a little more clarity around what these workouts are intended for based on the naming structure,” added our tester, a certified personal trainer.

Finally, while we appreciated the programming baked into the TR150, the lack of incline changes within these circuits does limit engagement and enjoyment slightly. Naturally, we cannot compare the workout experience to something like iFIT, but we’d like to see a little more variety and challenge, especially if you’re a more advanced athlete looking to refresh your training day in and day out. For these reasons, we rated the programming at 3.5 out of 5.

[Related: The Best Treadmills with iFIT]

Manual Incline Levels

The TR150 also features a manual incline system at the rear of the tread belt. Essentially, you can toggle between three pin placements that drop or raise the rear of the machine to give your approach angle a different pitch. This is a component not commonly found in treadmills under $500, so having the ability to alter your incline is a definite convenience here.

That said, we rated the adjustability at 2 out of 5 because there are just three levels to choose from, and they are not labeled with specific percentages. Additionally, the manual nature of this incline does mean you’ll need to set your pitch before hopping into a workout, and unless you stop the belt mid-session, you cannot toggle it lower or higher mid-run.

Foldable Running Deck

To help you save some space when not in the throes of a workout, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 features a folding deck for more convenient storage. While our tester rated this at 4 out of 5 for the treadmill’s overall footprint, the mechanism does give some concern. 

“The TR150 lacks a gas shock like you’d see in other treadmills from brands like NordicTrack or Sole,” they added. “This shock absorption allows the deck to lower slowly to the ground, so to avoid the TR150’s deck from slamming across your floor, I recommend having a solid grasp of the belt itself.”

In terms of where to hold the belt during raising and lowering, there is no hand grip for more convenient handling. However, we didn’t view this as a complete negative — the belt is still pretty light and getting hold of the unit isn’t too much of a burden.

[Related: The 7 Best Treadmills Under $500]

While we were confident enough in our abilities to control the running deck through its plane of motion, we do want athletes to be extra careful around pets and children. The locking pin that holds the belt in its upright storage position is within reach for most youngsters, so it may be optimal to keep this treadmill storage in a non-common area where your kids aren’t left unsupervised.

What to Consider Before Buying the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer, “Treadmills are a great home gym item for individuals who want to increase their daily or weekly cardio exercise via walking, jogging, or running. Even if you don’t use a treadmill daily, it’s a great item to have for instances in which you can’t or don’t want to walk or run outside.” That said, though, the right treadmill can truly set yourself up for success, so it’s imperative that you think through the following factors when choosing a treadmill for your home space.

Footprint

Naturally, a treadmill is no good to your workout regimen if it can’t comfortably fit within your abode. Before searching for your new home gym machine, be sure to break out your tape measure to get a better idea of how much space you have at your disposal. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable. And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit,” adds Capritto.

The TR150 is one of the more compact treads we’ve tested, taking up a 12.66-square-foot patch of flooring for operation. Additionally, the foldable deck can help you regain nearly 7 square feet of space when not in training mode, which can be ideal for athletes trying to train within a small apartment or crowded living area.

[Related: The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments, Chosen by Experts]

Be mindful, though, that compact frames and profiles do need to sacrifice other components in order to create that shrunken silhouette. Oftentimes, this can lead to treadmills incapable of supporting higher user weights.

User Weight Capacity

The treadmill you choose should be able to withstand regular use through a durable frame, sturdy running deck, and powerful motor. While you can get into the weeds between build materials like steel, hard plastic, and others, one of the easiest ways to tell if your tread is up to the task is by looking at its max weight capacity. This is the measurement indicating how heavy an athlete can be before the machine begins to function improperly, either through a bogged-down motor or structural creaks and cracks.

Of course, you’ll want a treadmill that can support your bodyweight, but if you plan on running, that can put your machine under slightly more stress than weight alone. It can be a good option to search for a buffer between what your machine can handle and your measured bodyweight. If you are a larger athlete, there are even treadmills boasting heavy-duty makeups capable of supporting 350 pounds or more.

[Related: The 7 Best Treadmills for Heavy People]

Capritto states that the industry standard for treadmill user weight ratings is 300 pounds. The TR150 clocks in with a max weight limit of 250 pounds, so it is slightly under this threshold. However, it can still be a worthwhile option for some, especially those lighter in stature that may not intend to put their machine through the rigors of an intense sprint session.

Fitness Goals

Your fitness goals and preferred training methods can also influence which treadmill is right for you. If you want to mimic outdoor running as closely as possible, it can be helpful to opt for a machine capable with varying inclines (and potentially declines). Plus, the max speed of your machine should be capable of supporting your all-out sprints. We often recommend treadmills capable of at least 12 miles per hour for such needs, where light jogging and walking needs drop that metric below 10 miles per hour.

For runners, it can also be wise to look at the running deck dimensions. Capritto states, “People who intend to run or sprint on their treadmill should look for a running deck of at least 60 inches in length. Walkers and joggers can get away with shorter decks, unless they are really tall individuals. 50 to 55 inches can usually cut it for walking and light jogging.”

[Related: Expert Tested: The 8 Best Treadmills for Running]

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill Vs. The Competition

We’ve tested over 40 treadmills over the years, with plenty of budget-minded options comparable to the XTERRA Fitness TR150. While performance and features can begin to dwindle at this sub-$400 price range, there are still some quality options to choose from. Below are three similar machines to the TR150 — the SF-T4400 from Sunny Health and Fitness, the Egofit Walker Pro, and the Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill.

The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400 is possibly the closest competitor to the TR150. Both are available on Amazon — a true treat for Prime subscribers — and both offer a manual incline system for giving your workouts some variety while still keeping costs low. The SF-T4400 is slightly smaller than the TR150, with a footprint of 10.98 square feet.

However, what you gain back in floor space, you end up losing in max speed and weight capacity. The SF-T4400 can only reach up to 9 miles per hour, and can support up to 220 pounds, as opposed to the TR150’s 10-miles-per-hour max speed and 250-pound weight capacity.

The Egofit Walker Pro is one of the best under-desk treadmills, and the compact frame of this machine can make it an excellent addition to your home office. This walking pad also features a 5-percent constant incline for an added sense of challenge in your sessions. For those wanting to run and walk through their routine, though, we’d still recommend the TR150. The running surface is more accommodating to longer strides, and you’d be hard-pressed to manage a sprinting motion with the Walker Pro’s 3.11-miles-per-hour max speed.

Lastly, when comparing price points between the TR150 and Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill, the Goplus option comes in roughly $100 cheaper. Additionally, the sleek, foldable design can make storage a breeze under nearby furniture or off in the corner of your training area. 

However, with a max speed of 7.5 miles per hour and shorter 39.3-inch running deck, we’d only recommend this unit for walking and light jogging. You could potentially run in a more comfortable stance with the TR150 given the higher speeds and lengthier belt.

Places to Buy the XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill

You can purchase the XTERRA Fitness TR150 via Amazon.

Customer Experience

After a quick and painless purchasing process on Amazon, our tester stated that the TR150 arrived fairly quickly to their doorstep in about one week’s time. In terms of shipping costs, Amazon does offer four varying packages, depending on how hands-on or hands-off you’d like the experience to be:

• Free Standard Shipping: The treadmill is left outside your front door like other Amazon packages.
• Inside Entryway ($14.99): The treadmill is delivered to the first dry area of your home or residence.
• Room of Choice ($19.99): Handlers will carry the TR150 to your room of choice for less personal transport before assembly.
• Deluxe Delivery and Unpack ($29.99): Handlers will deliver your treadmill to your room of choice, unpack the machine and inspect for any damage or defects, and take all packaging materials with them for a spot-free clean-up.

Whichever service you choose is up to your discretion, but from our standpoint, the TR150 is light enough to move on your own, and assembly isn’t complicated. As such, we think most athletes would be okay with the free standard shipping (or, at least, the inside entryway package if you’re dealing with inclement weather).

Warranties

Where the TR150 sets itself apart from other budget treadmills is in the included warranty package. This XTERRA Fitness is bundled with one-year coverage for the motor, 90-day coverage for the running deck, and 90-day coverage for labor, but the true standout of the package is the lifetime warranty for the frame. 

[Related: The 8 Best Budget Treadmills for Streaming, Walking, and More]

We scored the warranty package at 4 out of 5 because most sub-$500 machines barely offer any coverage, especially to the tune of lifetime support. To take advantage of this package, all you’ll need to do is register your TR150’s serial number on the XTERRA Fitness web page.

On top of the warranties, the TR150’s Amazon availability gives you a 90-day return policy as opposed to the traditional 30 days. This can be an ideal situation for beginner athletes, as it gives you roughly 3 months to determine whether this cardio machine is right for your needs and fitness goals.

Company Information

Based in Jonesboro, Arkansas, XTERRA Fitness is a leading manufacturer of budget-friendly home fitness equipment, specializing in cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, and exercise bikes. The available products can be excellent for beginner athletes who may not want a tech-heavy unit from the start, yet still want to get their training off on the right foot.

To contact XTERRA Fitness, you can submit a service ticket on the brand’s web page. Agents are available to assist Monday-Friday, 8:00am-7:00pm CST. For immediate assistance, you can also call XTERRA Fitness at 1-800-258-8511.

In Conclusion

While there’s no shortage of wallet-friendly treadmills and cardio machines to choose from, we feel the TR150 from XTERRA Fitness is a worthwhile option for most, especially those that are still pondering over their in-training interests and personal tastes. Don’t be fooled — this is a bare-bones cardio machine, but the respectable 10-miles-per-hour speed range, robust workout library, and space-saving folding specs can give you plenty of bang for your buck.

If you’re an athlete that wants all the bells and whistles, we’d suggest upping your budget to the near-$1,000 mark. Simply put, it’s very difficult to include streaming capabilities, well-built frames, and high-powered performance into a treadmill without landing near this watermark. For those willing to sacrifice some of these conveniences, or those that just want a well-powered tread for daily strolls and jogs, the TR150 should definitely be on your shortlist.

FAQs

References

1. CAVANAGH, P. R., & KRAM, R. (1989). Stride length in distance running. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 21(4). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2674599/
2. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 

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